Family Desert Vacation

A Family Vacation in Southern Arizona

Earlier this year I had the privilege of meeting this kind family. They came together from different parts of the country for a family vacation at their desert home in sunny southern Arizona. The day of our shoot was unusually chilly with strong winds and cooler than usual temperates. However, the sun was still bright and the sunset brilliantly colorful.

Since the family was from out-of-state, they wanted their session in a location that celebrated the landscape of their desert vacation home. They chose Sabino Canyon because of it’s natural Sonoran desert beauty with rolling hills of saguaros pushed up against the rugged Catalina Mountains. The desert is a beautiful backdrop for photo sessions, but it brings with it unique challenges, especially with families.

Posing a large family can be challenging to begin with, but it can be particularly tricky in the desert. Trying to create visual interest while simultaneously dodging cactus is one of my biggest challenges. There also isn’t much to do pose-wise besides standing poses. Asking clients to sit in the desert can be dangerous. From poisonous critters like snakes and scorpions to hazardous jumping cactus, I have to be careful with what I ask my clients to do.

Thankfully I found a spot that worked perfectly to offer them a variety of backdrops. I am very appreciative of how the session turned out and the opportunity to meet my wonderful clients. Even with the wind and chilly air the family was patient and jovial. We had saguaros, sunsets, smiles and songs like If You’re Happy and You Know It. Between the heat, the critters, the dust and the pain-inducing vegetation I sometimes lose sight of the beauty of the desert. I love once again seeing the beauty of my desert home through clients’ eyes.